Chapter 7: Humiliation

Olivia’s POV

“What?” my mother yelled. “There are many servants! Why must it be Olivia? My daughter just regained consciousness; she almost died!” She spoke angrily to Levi’s guard, who’d just entered my room, requesting that Anita and the triplets needed me to fetch them water.

As my mother fumed, I sighed inwardly. I knew this was Anita’s doing. Today had already been exhausting, and I wanted to avoid further trouble. “Mother, let me go. I’ll be back soon,” I said softly, trying to leave the bed, but my mother stopped me.

“No, Olivia. I’ll go,” she offered, but I shook my head. “Please, Mother, I don’t want to annoy them. Let me go. I’ll be back soon,” I assured her, pushing myself out of bed.

My body ached from the pepper burn and kneeling in the sun. I felt like collapsing, but I inhaled deeply and forced myself to move. As I left the room, I saw the pain and anger in my mother’s eyes, and knew she wished she could help, but couldn’t.

I went to the kitchen, retrieved four bottles of water, placed them on a tray, and headed to the triplets’ wing. Taking a deep breath, I knocked.

“Come in,” Anita’s authoritative voice called.

I opened the door, my stomach plummeting at the sight. The triplets and Anita lay naked on the bed. The room reeked of sweat and sex; the air heavy with the aftermath of their intimacy.

Swallowing hard, I shut the door, approached the table, avoiding eye contact. After setting down the water, I looked down and asked softly, “Here’s the water. Anything else?”

It was painful being labeled the daughter of a thief, but more painful seeing the men I’d had a crush on—my first loves—in bed with my best friend.

Anita sighed, moving from the triplets’ embrace. She sat up and gestured for the water. Despite wanting to refuse, I couldn’t. I handed her a bottle.

I stood there, eyes fixed on the floor, humiliated. I longed to leave but knew I couldn’t unless asked. “Anything else? If not, I’m leaving,” I mumbled.

“Stay,” Anita ordered. “We’ll need you.”

My frown deepened. “Why? You can send for me,” I retorted bitterly.

“Olivia!” Lennox cautioned. I recognized his voice. “Watch your tone with Anita,” he warned. “If she wants you to stay, you will.”

I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to remain silent. In a week, Lennox and his brothers would become Alphas, and I had to respect them.

Anita leaned back, a smug smile playing on her lips as she sipped the water. The triplets remained silent, lounging lazily and unconcerned about their nudity. I bit my lip, swallowing my humiliation.

Anita finally set down the bottle, stretching. “Two more days,” she mused, eyes gleaming. “Two more days until my eighteenth birthday.”

I stiffened. I hadn’t forgotten. It was my birthday too. But for Anita, it was more than a celebration—it was the day she’d confirm her bond with the triplets, discover if they were her mates.

She sighed dramatically and turned to the triplets, tracing a bare chest. “I can’t wait,” she purred. “I feel the connection. It’s undeniable. The bond is there—I just know it.”

My nails dug into my palms, but I said nothing. I’d spent my childhood with them, secretly harboring unvoiced feelings. Anita was everything I wasn’t: powerful, loved, and soon to be the mate of the men I’d foolishly admired.

“Just imagine,” Anita continued, ignoring me. “Once I turn eighteen, everything will be official. No more doubts. I’ll be yours, and you’ll be mine.”

I bit my cheek until I tasted blood.

Levi, I think, let out a low hum. “I can’t wait,” he mumbled lazily, lacking Anita’s enthusiasm.

She didn’t notice, giggling and pressing closer. “Oh, I know it’ll happen. And then I’ll be your Luna.”

I stood there, invisible, humiliated, wishing I could disappear, wishing I’d never loved them.

“Can I leave?” I murmured wearily.

Anita ignored me, kissing Lennox. He responded instantly, deepening the kiss. The sound of their lips, the hum of pleasure—it twisted my stomach.

I clenched my dress, staying rooted as Anita straddled Lennox, moaning as he touched her. The other two weren’t idle; Levi kissed her neck while Louis watched, his gaze briefly meeting mine. It was as if he was telling me this was something I'd never have before looking away to kiss her as Lennox pulled back.

I wanted to run, to shut my eyes and block out the sight of them—the men I’d adored, now tangled with Anita, worshipping her.

Anita laughed, triumphant. She knew what she was doing. She wanted me to hurt. And I did.

“Olivia,” she purred, glancing at me. Her lips were swollen, her body flushed. “Prepare the bath. We want to bathe,” she instructed.

Despite my desire to refuse, I couldn't. I went to the luxurious bathroom, turned on the taps, and added lavender bath oil.

As I reached for the towels, the door clicked shut. Louis stood there, naked. I quickly looked away, my heart pounding. I’d seen enough. I continued preparing the bath, pretending he wasn't there.

I felt his eyes on me. My fingers gripped the tub's edge as I forced myself to breathe. A few more minutes, and I'd be gone. I just had to endure this.

As I moved to leave, Louis was suddenly there, his presence overwhelming. He pinned me against the wall, his body inches from mine. I felt his hardness against my thighs.

His hand caged my head, his lips near my ear. I turned away. “Let go. Anita might come in,” I whispered.

His fingers tilted my chin up. His dark eyes searched mine, his thumb brushing my lip, deceptively gentle. “You’ve always wanted our attention, haven’t you? How does it feel to watch your best friend have it?”

I bit my cheek, refusing to react. “I don’t care,” I whispered.

Louis smirked. “Did you really think there was ever a chance for you? You? A daughter of a thief? A common omega?”

Pain shot through me, but I remained still. “I don’t think anything anymore, Louis. I just want to leave.”

He exhaled and stepped back. I didn’t hesitate, turning and rushing out, refusing to look back.

Back in the room, I ignored the others and slammed the door. Leaning against the wall, I inhaled deeply. I thought I could endure this, but I was wrong. I have to leave this pack and escape this ridicule.

And I will leave. Just after my eighteenth birthday.